Teaching Learning Leading K-12

On February 1st of 2022, I reported to a local hospital at 5:15AM for surgery to remove a tumor from my brain. The surgery took 10 hours. The two surgeons - a neurologist and an inner ear specialist worked together to remove the growing obstruction in my brain. The tumor was not cancer it is something known by multiple names - but was referred to as an acoustic neuroma or a vestibular schwannoma. After experiencing issues of sudden dizziness and a strange feeling of being off-balance as well as I thought that I had swimmer's ear... I was having a hard time hearing in my right ear, and it felt like when you have been swimming, and you get water in your ear - I finally went to see a doctor. This led to a couple of MRIs and numerous doctor visits with specialists and the diagnosis of a tumor.  When I first looked at the tumor in an MRI, it looked like a small marble, 6 months later on a new MRI it looked like a small mushroom. The tumor was growing on the nerve that controls hearing and balance on my right sid

Angela Glaser Bowers, PhD - Therapy and How it Can Help & a Look at her Book - Overcoming: The Remarkable Story of One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma. This is episode 629 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Dr. Angela Glaser Bowers has been in private practice as a licensed psychologist for over three decades in Scottsdale, Arizona, helping thousands of individuals and couples to heal, grow, and live vibrant lives. She is the author of the book, Overcoming. Dr. Bowers received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Prior to this, she earned a master's degree in clinical/ Community Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. She taught courses in behavior modification and abnormal psychology at California State University while working on her Ph.D. She was also a licensed marriage and family counselor at the time.  Dr. Bowers has received advanced training in clinical hypnosis and has produced several CDs for anxiety

Alan Gayton: Technology Director, Sci-Fi Enthusiast, and Barbecue Competitor. This is episode 628 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Alan Gayton is a 51-year-old IT geek who has been playing with computers since he was a kid stealing software on a Commodore 64. He started his career as the first Technology Specialist for Gordon County Schools, where he had the dubious honor of fixing the computers and switches that always broke down. He then became an Instructional Technology Specialist, where he had to deal with endless questions such as “What does ‘click here’ mean?” He is now the Director of Technology for the North Georgia RESA, where he has the daunting task of managing the technology needs and issues of the RESA and its 5-member school districts. When he is not glued to his screen or phone, Alan likes to pretend that he is a pitmaster and a martial arts expert. He competes in competition BBQ as one half of team Q-Inator!, which is a clever name that he came up with after watching too

Dennis A. Feece may not sound like your typical novelist who crafted a murder mystery, but he calls upon a variety of experiences, hobbies, and schooling to create the realism in his newest book, Love, Pride, & Murder. The former motorcycle rider and sports car driver has lived a life of exploration, marrying, divorcing and chasing after understanding. For three decades, he engaged in a career of book manufacturing, serving from frontline supervisor to vice president of operations. He worked for several companies, including Bertelsmann, Maple-Vail Book Manufacturing, and RR Donnelley. He then became a pastoral associate at a local church and served a decade as the religious education teacher, social concerns, administrative, confirmation coordinator, adult education facilitator, and RCIA coordinator. Feece earned a B.S. majoring in Psychology and minoring in Religious Studies from College Misericordia in PA. He also spent four years in Deaconate Formation at St. Pius X, in PA. He earned an MA in Theolog

Dr. Elsa Friis & Jay Goyal discuss - Alongside: A.I. Helping Students with Their Mental Health Needs. This is episode 626 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. A report by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 69% of schools report an increase in students seeking mental health services, while only 13% can effectively meet those needs. Alongside, an AI-powered chatbot, provides every student the 24/7, tier 1 mental health support they urgently want and can’t get from overburdened counselors. The app is designed for middle and high school students.  Dr. Elsa Friis is Head of Mental Health at Alongside and Jay Goyal is the CEO at Alongside.  So much to learn and discover. Before you go... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/reviews/ or open the podcast app that you are listening to me on, and would you rate and review the podcast? That would be so cool. Thanks! If you are listening on Apple Podcasts on your phone, go to the log

Amanda Chay is an author, entrepreneur, and lifelong health nut who has helped countless businesses and individuals put their health first. With a master's degree in counseling and as the owner of a stress reduction and mindfulness training company, Amanda brings a wealth of expertise to her work. She is a member of the University of North Carolina Lupus Stakeholder Advisory Board and is a Lupus Foundation of American external affairs committee member for NC. When she’s not planning her next travel adventure with her daughters and husband, she’s drinking jasmine tea, teaching yoga, and giving book suggestions to anyone willing to listen.  Inspiring discussion! Amazing story! So much to think about! Before you go... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/reviews/ or open the podcast app that you are listening to me on, and would you rate and review the podcast? That would be so cool. Thanks! If you are listening on Apple Podcasts on your phone, go to the logo - clic

N.L. Holmes - Flowers of Evil: Hani's Daughter Mystery Series Book 1.  This is episode 624 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. N.L. Holmes is a prolific novelist embarking on another significant career phase. Prior to taking up the power of writing and using this pen name, she was an accomplished archaeologist and teacher for 25 years. Early in her career she served as a nun for two decades. In between she was an artist and antiques dealer. Yes, she has lived an interesting life, and the sum of her experiences informs and inspires her writings today. Holmes, who earned her doctorate in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology Studies from Bryn Mawr College despite an offer to attend Princeton, has excavated in Greece and Israel, and taught ancient history and humanities at Stockton University in N.J. and University of South Florida for many years. She also did archaeological artwork for excavations from Lebanon. With 11 published novels, Holmes is the creator of The Lord Hani Mysteries. The in

Steve Stockman - Producer, Writer, and Director - How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro. This is episode 623 of Teaching Learning Leading K12. Steve Stockman is president of LA-based Custom Productions, Inc. and a producer, writer and director of over 200 commercials, web series, films, music videos and TV shows.  He wrote, produced and directed the award-winning MGM feature film Two Weeks with Sally Field, Glenn Howerton, Ben Chaplin and Julianne Nicholson; he created and ran series like BrewDogs for NBC/U, $24 in 24 for Food Network, Devil’s Ride for Discovery and Gnaria for Comedy Central.  His commercial clients include Breville, Microsoft, Saatva, Disney and more.  Steve is also the author of the world's best-selling video how-to book, How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck:  Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro which is available in 9 languages worldwide and taught in schools from middle school to grad level.  So much to learn today! Awesome talk! Before

Barbara R. Blackburn - Rigor in Your Classroom: A Toolkit for Teachers, 2nd Edition. This is episode 622 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Ranked in the Top 10 Global Gurus in Education, Barbara has dedicated her life to raising the level of rigor and motivation for professional educators and students alike. What differentiates Barbara’s over 30 books are her easily executable concrete examples based on decades of experience as a teacher, professor, and consultant. Barbara’s dedication to education was inspired in her early years by her parents, Bob and Rose. Her father’s doctorate and lifetime career as a professor taught her the importance of professional training. Her mother’s career as school secretary shaped Barbara’s appreciation of the effort all staff play in the education of every child. Barbara has taught early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students and has served as an educational consultant for three publishing companies. She holds a master’s degree in school a

Scott M. Hoffman - Discusses His Thriller - Inside: A Fictional Account of a Member of an Organized Crime Family - 621 Scott M. Hoffman was a witness to historical events concerning major mob families. He learned the inner workings from his dad, who loyally served The Outfit for over 55 years – never spending a day in prison. Now 74, he is a native of Chicago. He is a graduate of Long Island University-Brooklyn with a B.A. in Journalism. For 35 years he worked for the City of Chicago in the Departments of Purchasing and Finance. Inside is his first published book. Scott Hoffman is not a name that is listed in any court records or historical documents about the Mafia. But he was in the room when meetings took place, he saw street enforcers and juice collectors deal out punishment, and he interacted with the real Goodfellas and Godfathers, including notorious gangsters Henry Hill, Tony Accardo, and Sam Giancana.  Inside begins in 1956 with Jimmy Williams, a 47-year-old man with two families-his wife and two c

    Sharon Seivert - CEO & Founder - CORE Coaching and Consulting, LLC: Guiding Teachers, Administrators, Leaders, and Business Owners to Grow Without Burning Out. This is episode 620 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Today I’m talking with Sharon Seivert, CEO & Founder of CORE Coaching and Consulting, LLC. We guide business owners and leaders to grow their companies without burning out or losing their relationships & health in the process. Sharon Seivert is the leader of Core Coaching & Consulting (CCC). Prior to launching CCC, Seivert served as the CEO of a Group Health Plan that established an industry record for earliest-ever break-even.  Seivert authored "The Balancing Act", the foundational book that first outlined the 6-point system CCC uses for all its work.  As both a US and EU citizen, Sharon loves few things more than spending time with her international family, friends, colleagues, and clients. She lives on the North Shore of Boston where she enjoys spending he

Ken Rusk Revisits His Book - Blue Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life. This is episode 619 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Ken Rusk is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and blue-collar advocate showing that there’s no degree required for comfort, peace, and freedom. Ken spent his younger years digging ditches and working in construction. He never went to college. Instead, he made goals, planned, and worked hard for thirty years. Now, Ken is a very successful entrepreneur with multiple businesses and revenue streams. Ken Rusk specializes in mentoring and has coached hundreds of young people in areas such as short-, mid-, and long-term goal setting, life visualization, career paths, and sound financial planning. He is passionate about helping people achieve their dreams regardless of their educational background or past. We talked last on November 30th, 2021. That was episode 433. It’s going to be great to catch up with Ken. We are focused on Ken

What to Get a Techie for the Holidays with Will & Josh of the HiTech Podcast. This is episode 618 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.  Will and Josh of the HiTech Podcast are back and today we are answering the question: What to Get a Techie for the Holidays? Will and Josh have brought five ideas and so have I. None of the companies who produce these cool items are sponsors of either of our shows and we also don't receive any remuneration for sharing their products. We just thought that these items would make cool gifts for that techie on your list.  Notice that we got this out in time for Black Friday and the shopping season so check out these items. Make that techie you know happy! As usual had a blast talking with Will and Josh. Make sure that you check out their awesome podcast - the HiTech Podcast. (See the link below) Gifts that Will & Josh Mentioned: Cannot work remotely without this! Ergonomic Adjustable Laptop Stand We use these for the podcast and everyday now: https://www

Lorna Bryant: Head of Career Solutions for Pearson Virtual Schools - Talks About Support for Students with College & Career Readiness. This is episode 617 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Pearson announced that Connections Academy, its K-12 online school program will expand its slate of college and career readiness initiatives for middle and high school students. The initiatives feature partnerships with Coursera, Acadeum, e-Dynamic Learning, and Credly.  Lorna Bryant is the Head of Career Solutions for Pearson Virtual Schools. As an educator, administrator and career education expert, she has spent over 25 years working to identify and create effective and engaging educational options for children. Today we are focused on college & career readiness. Awesome talk! Before you go... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/reviews/ or open the podcast app that you are listening to me on, and would you rate and review the podcast? That would b

  Kathy Magnusson: Wildewood Learning - Supporting Educators Working with Children and Trauma. This is episode 616 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Kathy Magnusson, M.Ed., owner of Wildewood Learning As a trainer, consultant, and speaker, Kathy has worked with educators and youth service professionals worldwide. She is a licensed public-school teacher, social and emotional learning specialist, and certified Sources of Strength trainer. She has supported young people and the professionals serving them for over 25 years. Kathy has a master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota and advanced training in adverse childhood experiences, creating trauma-sensitive practices, non-violent communication, and strengths-based education and leadership. She supports educators and youth service professionals in cultivating trauma-sensitive strength-based environments for all learners. Excellent conversation! Before you go... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.

Barbara R. Blackburn - Improving Teacher Morale and Motivation: Leadership Strategies that Build Student Success. This is episode 615 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Ranked in the Top 10 Global Gurus in Education, Barbara has dedicated her life to raising the level of rigor and motivation for professional educators and students alike. What differentiates Barbara’s over 30 books are her easily executable concrete examples based on decades of experience as a teacher, professor, and consultant. Barbara’s dedication to education was inspired in her early years by her parents, Bob and Rose. Her father’s doctorate and lifetime career as a professor taught her the importance of professional training. Her mother’s career as school secretary shaped Barbara’s appreciation of the effort all staff play in the education of every child. Barbara has taught early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students and has served as an educational consultant for three publishing companies. She holds a

Dr. Kuni Beasley: Making College Affordable - Helping Kids Reach Their College Goals. This is episode 614 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. For over 40 years, DR. KUNI BEASLEY has been helping students reach their college goals. Since 2011, Dr. Beasley and his team have helped students earn over $300 million in scholarships and grants, with  students admitted to the top institutions in the country to include the Ivy League (Harvard, Cornell, etc.), Service Academies (West Point, Annapolis, etc.), and Top Tier colleges (MIT, Stanford, Duke, etc.). His SAT/ ACT Prep program has been used in public and private schools in over 20 states. Dr. Beasley was the Dean of the New College Preparatory Academy with 22 sites across the country from Springfield, MA, to Hot Springs, AR, to Palm Springs, CA. Dr. Beasley has a BS from Texas Christian University (Go Frogs), an MBA from Oklahoma City University, a Doctor of Ministry from Tyndale Seminary, and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington. He

  Harvey Hazen: Coaching Parents of Children Who Struggle in School. This is episode 613 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Harvey Hazen coaches parents of students struggling to be successful and protect their tuition investment by helping their child find relevance in their curriculum and discover the life lessons it holds for their future success. He has been in Education for 37 Years.  During that time, he spent time as a teacher, counselor and administrator at all grade levels and organizational levels.  He has a BS in History and an MS in counseling from Portland State University.  In addition, he received Accreditation in Administration from Lewis and Clark College. Don't forget that if you sign-up for coaching and mention that you heard him on this podcast - Teaching Learning Leading K12, you will get an additional half hour of coaching for free. Great conversation! So much to learn! Before you go... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/re

Matt J. Navo - Executive Director of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE): Intensive Assistance Model & Community Engagement Initiative. This is episode 612 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Matt J. Navo serves as the Executive Director for the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE).  His knowledge and expertise in systems improvement comes from over three decades of experience as a K-12 educator and leader.  Matt served as the Superintendent of Sanger Unified School District. Before assuming the role of Superintendent, he was a special education teacher, secondary instructor, counselor, resource teacher, junior high learning director, high school assistant principal, elementary and alternative education principal, director of special education, and area administrator. Prior to his current role, he served as the Director of Systems Transformation with the Special Education Policy and Practice Division (SEPPD) at WestEd.  Matt’s expertise lie

  Matt Genovese is a seasoned technology professional whose impressive career spans over a period of 25 years. His domain encompasses a diverse set of specializations, extending from semiconductor chip design and community building to piloting his own software venture. Having spent a significant part of his career in an ed-tech startup—which was later acquired—Matt played a pivotal role in fostering student success in STEM fields by cultivating an integrated environment for online homework and digital textbooks.  At present, he helms a leading company that defines requirements and designs software user experiences for their clients. Committed to furthering advancements in AI solutions, his firm is at the cutting-edge of research and design of AI technologies. They work particularly with commercial and open large language models, offering users a novel, more intuitive interface for learning and discovery. Our focus today is AI, AI Research, and AI in schools. Cool conversation! So much to learn! Before you g